SCA heavy weapons fighting is a re-creation of the Arts of Tournament and War as practiced in the Middle Ages. It recreates contests of arms between armored warriors on foot, ranging from one on one combat to massed battles of thousands. It is regulated by our corporate documents and kingdom laws. Styles and customs vary widely throughout the known world, creating a rich diversity of knowledge.

It is often said that form follows function. To truly understand armored combat you must experience it. In the Society, we attempt to re-create armored combat in as accurate a historical manner as possible within the bounds of safety. Our model of armored combat is based on honor and spontaneity. We learn to use the instruments of combat in a controlled setting but on the field of honor or war we use them freely within the bounds of our safety regulations.

All gentles who present themselves on the field are considered to be honorable and chivalrous and as such are expected to acknowledge any blows that if struck with a real weapon against a "standard" suit of armor would have been a incapacitating or killing blow. If the blow is struck to an extremity then the use of the arm or leg is lost for the duration of the fight. If the blow is struck to the head neck or torso the blow is considered to have been lethal and the fight is ended. This can be acknowledged by falling to the ground or saluting your opponent depending on the situation.

It is the combatant receiving the blow who is responsible for acknowledgment. The combatant may ask the opinion of the supervising Marshall as to weather a blow was struck with the edge or flat if there is any doubt. Likewise he may ask his opponent though this is generally reserved for practice sessions. It is wise to remember that it is not always apparent to those observing what happened or why a particular blow is or isn't good.

If you are interested in experiencing this form of marshal sport for yourself, please contact the Marshall of your local group. They will be happy to inform you about our requirements and help you to get outfitted. They will teach you the basics and how to judge blows and help prepare you to become a authorized fighter. With proper equipment and training this can be a safe and rewarding experience.

If you live in the Upstate SC area you are invited to come out, watch and ask questions. Here are directions, a schedule and a map.

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Produced by JOHN GAHRMANNoriginal content ©1996 by John Gahrmann